EU leaders criticised for missing COP31 family photo

🔦 Navigate COP31 unmissable events with our Insider's Guide

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Several major European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, are skipping COP31's Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Türkiye
• Their absence raises questions about Europe's political commitment to climate diplomacy as negotiations begin
• Although Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands will miss the high-level gathering, their governments remain represented through ministers, negotiators and officials participating in the broader conference

🔭 The context: The Leaders' Summit traditionally provides heads of state an opportunity to announce climate commitments, coordinate negotiating positions and build diplomatic coalitions
• Türkiye and Australia are hosting COP31, with discussions expected to focus on electrification, waste reduction and translating existing commitments into implementation
• The European Commission will represent the EU institutionally through President Ursula von der Leyen, while 19 US congressional members have joined the summit despite the continued absence of federal government representatives

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Political leadership matters for advancing climate finance, emissions reductions and international accountability
• Climate Action Network Europe warns that absent leaders risk weakening perceptions of European commitment, particularly as several EU countries struggle to meet their 2030 emissions targets

⏭️ What’s next: European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra is expected to request corrective action plans from nine member states considered at risk of missing their 2030 targets
• Countries will have three months to submit proposals accelerating emissions reductions and investments
• COP31 negotiations is expected continue over the coming days, with ministers and negotiators responsible for shaping the final agreement on climate action, implementation and accountability

💬 One quote: “Missing more than just a photo opportunity.” — Chiara Martinelli, Director of Climate Action Network Europe, on European leaders' absences

📈 One stat: 39% — The EU's net greenhouse gas emissions are now below 1990 levels, following a further 1.6% reduction in 2025

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